My friend and I had a dispute about why should I become a teacher when they only make 30,000 - 40,000 a year. He also says, "Why should you waste all that time in college just to make a small paycheck?" I know he's an idiot, but what do y'all think?
2006-07-24 16:31:21 · 18 answers · asked by Butterfly 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One Man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argues, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher? He reminded the other guests what they say about teachers:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."
To stress his point he said to another guest: You're a teacher, Susan. Be Honest.
What do you make?
Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"
I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence ."
"You want to know what I make?"
"I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you have the brains and follow your heart and if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."
Susan paused and then continued .
"You want to know what I make?"
"I MAKE A DIFFERENCE."
What do you make?"
"Teachers make every other profession possible."
2006-07-24 18:08:36 · answer #1 · answered by delta_college_chick 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Teaching looks pretty from the outside. The pay is lousy with no incentives. It could be a noble profession, but politics and poor administrations get in the way. Many administrations do not provide their teachers with enough support because they would rather go along with the parent and the kid to avoid bad press and lawsuits. It is a shame, because there are a lot of great kids and great teachers. If you are liberal, like to K.A., enjoy saying yes to your higher ups, and love to take on more responsibilities you can handle this is the job for you. Try it out, because you will never know unless you do. I do suggest a back up plan if you don't like it. I do not think it is a waste of an education at all, because teachers do improve some kids lives! If your friend is only in college to get money in the future he is missing out on what college and life is all about. He seems pretty shallow. Good luck and go for it, but know that you have a way out and that you don't have to do it if you decide that it is not for you.
2006-07-25 15:05:52 · answer #2 · answered by VOLLEYBALLY 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where you may want to be a teacher, the salaries might be much higher for starting, mid-career, and experienced teachers. If you live in a rural area, 30-40k can go a long way. If you're someone who has an active lifestyle and wants to live in the heart of a major metropolitan city, then you may want to consider another activity to supplement your income. Note: 30-40k are just starting points; some states, after 15 years, the high is around 60k-70k per year. Not bad for 182 days of full contract work. That leaves your summer for vacations, summer employment opportunities, or other.
FYI: I am a full time high school technology/business teacher, coach, and supplement my income as an IT consultant. And as you guessed, I make more money telling people (in two hours or less per week) how to use their computers/websites to generate revenue and production vs. all the work I put in as a teacher and coach. It is sad - but our society places price tags on our own self first. The needs of others (from a historical basis) always comes second.
FYI - I enjoy being a teacher and working with kids; but as you can tell, will probably migrate over to an IT related position in the near future. I have to take care of "myself first!"
2006-07-24 19:10:39 · answer #3 · answered by sanddune 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you don't go into teaching for the money - that's for sure! I have found teaching to be the most rewarding job I could ever ask for. I love interacting with my students. I actually love to get up in the morning and go to work. Not too many people can say that. I do have my ups and downs during the day, but there are a lot more ups than downs. Sometimes I get frustrated by going over the same concept four, five, six times, but that is just how it is in teaching. I live alone so I don't require a lot of things, and I've always been a "low maintenance" type of person. The lower salary bothers me sometimes, but I will not give up a job I love to find more money. Life is too short to hate your job.
2006-07-24 18:38:27 · answer #4 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was solely about the money, NO one would be a teacher. You do it for the love of working with chidlren. It has so many more rewards than just the money. Now, I'm blessed to work in a district where I make a decent salary. You do make small amounts when you first start out, but it gets better as you go. If teaching is your calling, listen to it and do it. If you are meant to be a teacher, then go for it. It is a thankless job, but it is a wonderful job as well.
2006-07-24 18:08:27 · answer #5 · answered by sidnee_marie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, the best teachers I have seen were in another profession before they became a teacher. Our son was in the military, in the field of science. After a few years, he decided he wanted to teach so went back to school. He is rated one of the best teachers in his school. I have seen other examples like this. I am sorry to say that we don't do a good job educating our teachers. Many of the classes I could have taken were nothing but, "cream puff", classes. Yes you should love kids but you need to have something to offer them. Too many teachers become teachers because they consider it an easy way to get a secure job. I have seen a lot of teachers that should have never been in the classroom. Maybe when we demand that our teacher get a better education their wages will go up. Good Luck
2006-07-24 17:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by accopr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person should become a teacher because they love children and want to help them grow into smart, caring, successful adults. Some teachers are wonderful and really care. I also know some teachers who get do it for the summers and holidays off. If you are not doing it for the right reason (the kids), then you won't be successful, and neither will your students. Good luck with your career. It's a big responsibility.
2006-07-24 16:41:18 · answer #7 · answered by Kimmiepooh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teachers are definately underpaid. In fact, sometimes I like to lie to the kids just to get a little bit of revenge. I suppose if they paid me more, I'd take better care of the future.
2006-07-24 18:07:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teaching is a hard job but you get all major holidays plus winter break, spring break, and summer break.
Not a bad gig, really. Especially if you want to have kids of your own some day.
2006-07-24 17:10:56 · answer #9 · answered by Becca 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What teachers make that much? Where I'm from they make up
to 30 grand but thats like after working for ten years.
2006-07-24 16:38:18 · answer #10 · answered by retrodragonfly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋